Velvet Empire

When did the U.S. become an empire?  We have actual colonies by other names, post-colonial relationships with many countries, and the largest military network in the history of the planet, but we will not use the words "colony" or "empire" to describe them. Why is this?

In a Fresh Air interview with Terry Gross, author and Boston Globe journalist Stephen Kinzer explains the roots of empire in our 1898 war with Spain -- where Teddy Roosevelt (right) famously gained military experience with the Rough Riders.

In just over a half hour, he offers the most cogent and balanced explanation I have heard of the cognitive dissonance between our democratic ideals and our imperial realities.

Click map to enlarge. Map and details from Emerson Kent